More Mothers Now Prefer Daughters Over Sons
A 2025 Gallup survey found 19% of women preferred a daughter, while 12% wanted a son.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Pregnancy
Live Poll
If you were expecting, would you prefer a daughter over a son?
A growing number of mothers say they prefer daughters over sons, according to research cited in recent reporting. A 2025 Gallup International survey of nearly 45,000 people across 44 countries found 19% of women preferred a daughter and 12% wanted a son, while roughly two-thirds had no gender preference.
Why it matters
Earlier studies, including ones before 2011, found most people would rather have a son, and a 2018 Cornell University study suggested that preference was beginning to fade. Reporting links the shift to concerns about toxic masculinity, changing gender roles and the difficulties some parents associate with raising sons.
The finding comes from a 2025 Gallup International survey of nearly 45,000 people in 44 countries, with 19% of women preferring a daughter and 12% a son. Fertility-clinic reports of more patients requesting daughters through IVF are anecdotal and have not been measured systematically.
The players
Gallup International
A global network of public opinion research institutes that conducts cross-national surveys on social and health-related attitudes.
Cornell University
A research university whose 2018 study examined shifting son preference in family-building decisions.
CCRM Fertility
A fertility clinic network offering in vitro fertilization and reproductive care, including its New York practice.
The details
Survey-based preference data captures what people say they want, which can differ from the family size and sex of children they ultimately have. Fertility specialists describe a shift in their own practices, with some patients asking for daughters through in vitro fertilization, a process in which embryos can be screened for sex. Reporting attributes part of the change to cultural conversations about gender roles and the perceived challenges of raising sons.
Timeline
Prior to 2011: studies found most people would rather have a son.
2018: a Cornell University study suggested the preference for sons was beginning to fade.
2025: the Gallup International survey of 44 countries was conducted.
Health Landscape
The 2018 Cornell University study first documented a fading preference for sons, and the 2025 Gallup survey extends that trend across 44 countries. The shift sits within a longer pattern in which earlier population surveys consistently found a preference for sons.
If you are considering fertility treatment or family planning, the reported shift in preferences may be worth discussing with a fertility specialist or your physician. Thinking through the emotional and practical aspects of your family-building choices with a clinician or counselor can help you make informed decisions.
The takeaway
Surveys suggest the long-standing preference for sons is weakening, though most people still report having no gender preference at all. If fertility treatment is part of your plans, discuss your options and what sex selection involves with your physician.
Further reading
For broader context on family planning and expecting parents, explore the Pregnancy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mirror.
Live Poll
If you were expecting, would you prefer a daughter over a son?
